April 20, 2026
Paul Carr’s All-State Jazz Audition Essentials
Conquer All-County and All-State with these strategies from the eminent educator and saxophonist.
Category: Uncategorized
April 10, 2026
Sherrie Maricle: Secrets of Big-Band Drumming
The DIVA Jazz Orchestra leader on technique, teaching, gear and why stuffing a blanket inside your bass drum isn’t the answer. Plus: the 5 common pitfalls for developing big-band drummers.
November 20, 2025
Gator Frameworks: The Band Director’s Hassle-Free Music Stand Solution
The trusted accessories brand produces durable, stylish and versatile music stands that are perfect for school bands and orchestras.
September 18, 2025
Quincy Jones in Memoriam: Christian McBride Pays Tribute
McBride, one of jazz’s most important musicians and personalities, reflects on the musical and social genius of the late American icon. “The cat studied people the same way he studied notes,” he says.
April 16, 2025
Fender vs. Gibson: How Scale Length & String Gauge Affect Playability
Music & Arts’ resident guitar guru, Alan Day, shares a pro tip that will help beginning electric guitarists choose the perfect set of strings based on scale length.
April 3, 2025
Music & Artists: Brian Balmages
The renowned composer — who helms new scores and initiatives for Alfred and MakeMusic Publications — talks about what goes into crafting great music for students and reflects on the most poignant moments of his career.
March 14, 2025
Tales From the Repair Shop: Guitars & More
Arizona-based master technician Malinda Stratton shares a few of her recent repair adventures — including a Gibson L-50 restoration and an extra-tricky guitarrón fix.
March 7, 2025
Clarinet Masters: Essential Listening Guide for Students
Anat Cohen and Paquito D’Rivera, two of the world’s top jazz clarinetists, reflect on the recordings that transformed their musical journeys — and have the power to transform yours as well.
February 13, 2025
Music & Artists: Jared James Nichols
The blues-rock guitar hero talks Epiphone Les Pauls, Blackstar amps, playing electric without a pick and the fine art of riff-writing.
February 4, 2025
The Ludwig-Musser Wish List
Industry leaders in orchestral and educational percussion, Ludwig-Musser honor their heritage while guiding the state of the art. Here are five instruments that will take your program to the next level.